Francisco Calderon could be in line to win All American Futurity this year
RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO — Quarter horse racing has produced some of the greatest jockeys of all-time, whether it's Jacky Martin, G.R. Carter or Ricky Ramirez.
Currently one of the rising stars is Francisco Calderon, who is the leading quarter horse jockey at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino and aspires to be among the best when he finishes his career.
Last weekend in Ruidoso, the 29-year-old Calderon won the Rainbow Futurity aboard Dark Nme and the Rainbow Derby aboard Sicario V. Both will be contenders to qualify for the All American Futurity and All American Derby later this summer in Ruidoso.
"I was fortunate to have family which was involved in the sport and I learned from them," said Calderon, who is from San Antonio. "I played lots of soccer growing up but then I got to an age as a teen when I decided horse racing had a chance to give me a good career."
Calderon also credited former jockey Ignacio Bustamante with helping him becoming the jockey he is today.
"I learned so much from him in terms of the hard work, of being able to learn the horse, of being someone to study the ins and outs of the industry," Calderon said. "When you start out in this business, you have to do it all. But that knowledge has paid off and Ignacio was a smart jockey, who took me under his wing."
This year alone, Calderon has won 50 of his 314 starts and finished second or third 90 other times. In his career, he has 826 wins and his horses have won more than $18 million.
Horse racing fans might remember Calderon as the jockey of Jess Savin Candy, who nearly won the Quarter Horse Triple Crown in 2021, winning the Ruidoso and Rainbow Futurities and qualifying for the All American Futurity.
"It was amazing to be aboard Jess Savin Candy and an amazing experience to go through that process of trying to win the Triple Crown," Calderon said. "Jess Savin Candy gave me so many great memories and those connected to the horse so many great memories."
Calderon has won multiple big races but still harbors hopes of winning the All American Futurity, the biggest race in quarter horse racing.
"I learn from all the great jockeys in the sport," Calderon said. "You have to really get to know the horses well because they are all different, they have their own personalities. I try to be a student of the game. Winning the All American has always been my goal and it takes lots of hard work, a good team effort and some luck."
When Calderon, who also competes in Texas and Oklahoma, isn't riding at tracks, he spends his time helping the young horses get ready to ride competitively.
"Having a strong work ethic is something that has been important to me and I know I have to be 100% committed," Calderon said. "I've been fortunate to have a great family behind me and the people I work with have been great. I've been given some great opportunities in my career and I'll be forever grateful."
Said Willie Garcia, owner of Dark Nme: "Francisco is a tremendous jockey, he is talented, works hard and is smart. He finds a way to get the best out of horses."
Zia weekend results
New Mexico-bred horses were the focus of several stakes races in Ruidoso on Saturday and Sunday. Here are a few some highlights.
Doing Something Good and jockey Noe Garcia Jr. won a photo finish by a neck over Pick Your Pour to win the $205,420 Zia Derby for 3-year-old quarter horses. It marked the first stakes win for the gelding owned by Sue May and J & SM Racing Inc., after having been a finalist in the 2022 All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs and the West Texas Derby at Sunland Park earlier this year. “We’re so happy for Mrs. May that she’s still winning horse races into her 90s,” trainer Fred Danley said. “This has been a very consistent race horse and easy to train.”
Holottalute and jockey Christian Ramos came from behind in the stretch to win the $50,000 Sierra Starlet for 3-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs. The filly is owned by Almee Rosa and trained by Bart Hone, winning in a time of 1:05 seconds.
Big Crush BB and jockey Emilio Tapia, lead throughout in the Grade II $50,000 Zia Stakes for 3-year-olds and upward at 400 yards. The four-year-old horse is owned by Javier Chavez and trained by Jose Ignacio DeHerrera.
No Pasa Nada and jockey Tracy Hebert, came from behind in the stretch to win the $50,000 Sierra Blanca Stakes by three lengths in a time of 1 minute, 06.85 seconds for 5 1/2 furlongs. The seven-year-old gelding is owned by Christopher Roybal and trained by Jose Gonzalez Jr.
Ancient Land and jockey Kelsi Purcell led all the way in the $50,000 Land of Enchantment Stakes at 7 1/2 furlongs in a running time of 1:35.27. The 6-year-old gelding is owned by Martin Riley, David Carroll, C.W. Scott and J.D. Howard, and trained by Casey Lambert, who is from El Paso and is a former jockey. "It was a good win for Ancient Land," Lambert said. "The horse always gives his best effort and Kelsi did a good job aboard the horse."
Sonny Surfer was the 25-1 upset winner in the 870-yard championship for trainer David Hancock and jockey Jose Ortiz. Sonny Surfer had won twice in 21 previous starts.
Corrina Corrina won the 5 1/2 furlong Lincoln Stakes for trainer Gary Cross with Hebert aboard. Corrina Corrina has won seven races and finished in the top two in 16 of 19 starts.
Hebert was also aboard Sambas Mark in the 5 1/2 furlong Road Runner Stakes. Sambas Mark, who is trained by Todd Fincher, has won three times and been in the top three in six of seven stats.
Call Me Jessiecartel won the 400-yard Zia Quarter Horse Futurity for trainer Eric Valenzuela and jockey Esgar Ramirez. The win came in a photo finish, which took several minutes to determine the winner, over second-place Young Emperor and Crispyn. Call Me Jessiecartel has won three of his last four races. The winning time was 19.695 seconds.
More: Horse racing news Dark Nme romps in Rainbow Futurity, sets track record at 400 yards
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Quarter horse jockey Francisco Calderon one of best in country
